The Best Catfish Rods

Quantum Big Cat

The Quantum Big Cat is one of the few rods designed specifically for catfish. The rod has a medium heavy action and slow taper for plunking big baits and fighting big catfish. The rod is rated for lines ranging from 14 to 60 lbs. and is built with a double cork grip and high quality components. The rods are designed for hauling big cats from the depths in rivers and lakes and use less than 8 feet of glass blank for a powerful build. The power in the rods also make them capable of handling heavy saltwater fishing. The rod is recommended by Big Catfishing.com and is available in casting and spinning models.

Ugly Stick

The Ugly Stick is a favorite for catfish. The rod is cheap, powerful and manufactured by the Shakespeare brand. It is used by many anglers for a variety of freshwater species. Some anglers prefer the Ugly Stick to the heavier catfish rods because they like a rod with more play and other anglers choose the rod because it is durable and the price is right. Several models of Ugly Sticks are available with the Tiger model being the ideal compromise for catfish. The casting rod has a double grip for fighting power and is rated for line weights ranging from 10 to 60 lbs. The tiger model has a faster action than the Quantum Big Cat but is strong enough to handle large catfish.

Bass Pro Power Plus Trophy Class

The Bass Pro Shop Power Plus Trigger rods are ideal for catfish. The rods are similar to the Ugly Stick with the 6 to 8 foot medium heavy build. The fighting power is excellent and the price is very reasonable but the main advantage of this rod is the sensitive tip. The sensitivity has high angler ratings from Catfish1.com and Bass Pro Shop customers. It enables the angler to detect slow strikes and set the hook on more fish. The rod is not excessively heavy and can also be used for pike, bass and walleye.